Leila Smith Chapman

Leila Smith Chapman, age 90, passed away on October 20, 2022 in Raleigh, North Carolina. Leila was born on May 9, 1932 in Morganton, North Carolina. She was the daughter of John Thomas Smith and Alice Walker Smith. She was the seventh of ten children. Leila graduated from Wake Forest University, and was also a registered nurse. She married Ned Oliver Chapman on June 12, 1960, and they lived in Raleigh for the rest of their lives. Leila pursued a career as a nurse, working at Wake Technical Community College, Rex Hospital, and North Carolina State University Student Health Services. She was a member of Ephesus Baptist Church.

She is preceded in death by her parents, by her brothers and sisters Frazier Smith, Ivey Smith, Perry Smith, Velsie Smith Walker, Essie Smith Prewitt, Paul Smith, Irene Smith Howard, Dr. Fred Smith, and Lewis Smith, and by her husband Ned Oliver Chapman.

Leila is survived by her two sons, Richard Oliver Chapman (wife, Leslie Piatt Chapman) of Auburn, Alabama and David Thomas Chapman of Austin Texas, and by her grandson, John Oliver Chapman, of Pasadena, California.

The family will receive friends from 10:00-10:45 am at Ephesus Baptist Church, 6767 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, followed by a service at 11:00 am. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BrownWynneCary.com for the Chapman family.